CELEBRATING...

HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING??

this is National Library Week (April 13-19th)...

This sculpture is located outside the former SLO County Library... 

the newer library sits a block away, but I have found memories of taking my girls
to "this library" when they were toddlers! 

{at the time, our city HAD NOT built the South County Library}

Today's plans, included getting JPE's i-Phone fixed, eating lunch at Urbane Cafe
& catching a movie at the Palm Theater {local indie theater}...
the final showing of Ernest & Celestine was showing at 4:15 today!

With our extra time, we slipped into the local bookstore {at Lydia's request}... one of the displays featured John Green's "The Fault in our Stars" which I mentioned I had just finished reading. Lydia said, "oh I flipped through the book... you DO KNOW they are making a movie about the book??" I realized then, I need to read more young-adult novels if I want to stay connected with the kids in our family.
{BTW, I loved this book & can understand the attraction for young readers}

between two worlds - technology & print

Lydia selected a new book --- one I never imagined she would ever "blink an eye at"
but, as long as she's reading, we'll buy her books!
I did ask if I could read the book after she was done!

Ernest & Celestine was originally produced in French. This animated movie was based on a beautifully written book {of the same name}, and features charming watercolor illustrations. 

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 it's adorable with a feel-good ending --- if you get a chance, see it!
as we were leaving the theater, Lydia said, "that movie reminded me of a book I saw at the library" --- it gave us another chance to chat about books that are made into movies.

I imagine Lydia has labeled us "different" because we don't watch TV or play video games.
BUT! she knows --- we READ!  {and go to movies}

reading w/grandpa {l-r}
by the campfire - Big Sur {2009}; our house {2006}; using headlamps - camping in Big Sur {2007}

So, what are you currently reading?
what young-adult novel have you read?

LYDIA'S SEWING PROJECT...

On Monday, Lydia & I stopped in the local fabric.

She selected these three fabrics for her FIRST sewing project.

First, Lydia learned to sew straight lines & manage the speed of the machine.

Lydia wanted Grandma's help in feeding the fabric!

building confidence!!

I can DO this!

 some of the steps Lydia mastered!

learning to turn fabric inside out!

MAGIC - all the raw edges are hidden inside...

Lydia sharing her completed project!

INCREDIBLE! job Lydia!!!

we're all proud of her for trying something new!

nice job on your FIRST sewing project!

TREASURE HUNT-DAY 3...

Treasure Hunt - Day 3

JPE spent some time this morning working in the garden. On Mondays, he travels (3.5 hour drive each way) to Palo Alto, CA to teach at Sofia University (leaving at 7am & getting home at 9:30pm). So, his garden provides opportunities to relax.

photos taken 4.15.14

Natasha, Lydia & Jack "GIFTED" JPE this gathering basket to commemorate his retirement. He's already using it...

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TREASURE HUNT-Day 3: Your mission today is to notice the color at your feet. Set the camera on the ground. Click the shutter. Post what you see!

We're off to the movies - this afternoon...

the THE LEGO MOVIE! see you tomorrow!

GOOD. RANDOM. FUN. {WEEK 15}

Lydia is spending a week of her Spring Break with us. As a almost 11 year old, she loves her technology... but, she indulged me by going to complete some errands in San Luis Obispo. Of course, we did some indulging for her! a bit of G.O.O.D. ice cream to give us energy to complete our tasks. 

JPE made Cincinnati Chili for dinner Sunday... Lydia & I determined leftovers (Monday lunch) were even better than our dinner feast. A R.A.N.D.O.M. fact: Lydia's mommy, popi (dad) and grandpa (JPE) were all born & raised in Cincinnati.

I'm having a blast playing with WATERLOGUE. JPE cut these yellow irises & so I was showing Natasha & Lydia how my watercolor lessons are progressing (really, they haven't been started yet --- but, watching a photo being changed to a watercolor gives you an idea how watercolorists paint). Oh, so much F.U.N. Do give it a try!

Sharing these pics with Tamar @ RANDOM-OSITY. 

Do give her blog a visit... loads of cute photos from other bloggers!

A TREASURE HUNT-DAY 2...

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I'm participating in a COLOR TREASURE HUNT with hostess, Andrea Scher @ SuperHero Life. I've followed her blog for five years, but hesitated taking one of her online courses.
Springtime brings "BURSTS of COLOR" so I'll be intentionally looking for COLOR... {and hopefully be improving my creative eye}

This course started days ago, so I'll be sharing some random posts to document my hunt. 

Day 2 - Andrea's prompt was: Today, I want you to step outside your door and find a flower that makes you gasp with wonder.

posies in a planter
the neighbor has much better soil in their planter than we do!
we have CLAY! which is deadly for getting something to grow.

blue + yellow = AMAZING
JPE gave me this gorgeous blue BLENKO vase the first year
 of our relationship. At that time in my life,
my home decor was pretty cottage-y!
A few days ago, he cut YELLOW irises to honor SPRING-TIME.

THE BITTER END?

You may have noticed I haven't posted on my blog lately!

I'm sad... emotionally detached, actually... 
BUT, mostly bitter
about a work situation...

and frustrated that the people I've admired for years,
have closed their eyes to a situation
that many feel will reflect poorly on our organization.

I found a quote that really
resonates with me today!

"A BOSS creates fear, a LEADER confidence.

A BOSS fixes blames, a LEADER corrects mistakes.

A BOSS knows all, a LEADER asks questions.

A BOSS makes work drudgery, a LEADER makes it interesting.

A BOSS is interested in herself (or himself),
a LEADER is interested in the group."

:: Russell H. Ewing, British journalist

JPE, don't forget the number of people who
admire your calm demeanor;

your passion for students in crisis &
your ability to work with their individual attributes;

your love of nature & wanting to share
that experience with students;

your ability to facilitate meetings
& encouraging others to speak and feel valued;

your attention to details & the ability
to explain the data that impacts our students & programs;

your passion and advocacy for marginalized youth populations;

your sensitivity in seeing others as they are,
NOT as something to be changed;

 AND, most of all your kindness & professionalism.

I'm truly sorry for the way you've been treated
 after a tremendously successful career!

"1-4-3"
JPE